Before long, Drew and KJ were announced man and wife, and everyone stood to applaud. Doug clapped as they walked down the aisle.
Rose whispered to him, “Beautiful.”
“Yes, beautiful.” In that moment, with the sun shining above them, and her honey-brown hair so gorgeous it almost glowed, he wasn’t talking about the wedding. When she looked up at him her eyes became so light they reminded him of a sandy beach. “Take a walk with me.”
Doug reached out and took Rose’s hand in his. She didn’t resist at all.
“Ah, she’s with me, remember?” Toby chimed in.
“Go grab something to eat or drink. We won’t be long.”
“If you know what’s good for you, you won’t be,” Martin said, shooting a warning to Doug.
Doug was tempted to remind the kid he was messing with someone who’d been trained in combat. He looked like he’d shit himself if he was actually in a fight. Doug decided wasting his time with the little twerp was stupid. Right now all he wanted to think about was getting some alone time with the stunning woman by his side.
Brushing past Martin, Doug led her away. There was a quiet spot that had caught his eye earlier. It was by a pond and had a small, charming wooden bridge over it. He wasn’t sure if she’d seen it yet, as it hadn’t been built when they were here for Beckett and Danielle’s wedding.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” Doug said as they went down a winding pathway.
“Doug, they’re going to miss us.”
“We won’t be long.”
“Can’t this wait until after the reception? Toby is there by himself with Beckett and—”
Doug stopped abruptly, turning to face her. “And you think he’ll do something to piss your brother off even more?”
Rose looked puzzled. “No. As far as I know, they’ve only met a few times, but Toby is . . . shy, I guess. He’s reclusive and quiet. I’m not sure I’ve even seen the two of them talking when we were together, but Beckett can be a bit intimidating.”
He almost burst out laughing. That didn’t describe the guy at all. How did Rose think he was shy and reclusive? He would have used cocky and arrogant. Had she chosen to see someone so different, or had Martin purposely hidden that side of himself from her? Something about the guy struck him as a loudmouth. He didn’t have much to go on, just glimpses of behavior that sent up red flags. Doug was aware his judgment might be clouded as well.
“If he can keep his mouth shut, he’ll be fine. Otherwise—”
“Beckett will shut it. I know. Okay, let’s keep moving and get this over with,” Rose said as she urged him to keep walking. Get it over with? Does she really not want to be with me? She hasn’t once pulled her hand away.
Rushing wasn’t what he’d planned. Actually, he hadn’t planned anything. During the entire wedding all he thought about was Rose. He’d been surrounded by her scent, could almost touch the smooth silkiness of her skin . . . Shit. He wanted—no, needed—to talk to her alone. He told himself it was because he was concerned for her, that Martin felt like trouble, and he needed her to be careful. Beckett’s judgment was rarely wrong.
When they came around the bend, he heard Rose suck in her breath at the sight. From the look on her face, she loved it . . . as he’d hoped. She gave his hand a light squeeze and leaned into him. “When did you find this place?” she whispered.
“On one of my runs. Do you like it?”
She looked at him, smiling. It was the first genuine smile he’d seen on her face since they exited the chopper. It was refreshing, and he didn’t want it to vanish. He pulled her hand up to his lips and placed a kiss on her fingers. Again, she didn’t pull her hand away, but her wide eyes and tilt of her head seemed perplexed. Why wouldn’t she be, Atwood? You pushed her away when she kissed you before.
“I’m surprised Drew and KJ didn’t get married here. If it was my wedding, this is the spot I’d want. Right here on this bridge, just me and the man I . . . love.”
He looked down at her as she was staring into the pond below them. “Do you love him, Rose?”
She turned quickly to meet his gaze. “Who?”
“Toby.”
“No, I hardly know him. I mean, we’ve been dating for about six months but nothing serious. He can be fun, but he has some growing up to do.”
That and so much more. Doug had no right to ask what her feelings were for Martin. She was free to care about anyone she wanted. Thank fuck she wasn’t in love with that tool.
“Why did you ask me that?” As she looked at him, he was mesmerized by her beauty. Fuck, she is so tempting right now. I want her lips. I want . . .
He wasn’t really sure why he’d asked her about Martin; he just needed to know. “I don’t trust him.”
Her demeanor changed from his sweet angel to someone on the defensive. “You’re just like Beckett.”
Don’t look at me like your brother. ’Cause damn, I don’t look at you like a sister. “Maybe we’re more attuned to what is going on in that guy’s head than you are.”
“And maybe you should mind your business, Doug. Is that why you brought me to this spectacular place? So you can tell me you want me to stay away from Toby? You shouldn’t have wasted your time. I can tell you don’t like him.” Her voice was no longer sweet and gentle. Here was the fiery, spirited woman he’d seen . . . and adored.
She stepped away and walked off the bridge. In a few long strides he caught up to her and put his hands on her tiny waist, stopping her in her tracks. He wouldn’t allow her to leave angry. Rose didn’t try to pull away or say anything. Slowly he stepped closer so he towered over her from behind. Bending down, he whispered softly in her ear, “Don’t leave me, angel.” That small hitch in her breathing spoke volumes.
“Why should I stay?”
“Because I want you to. I didn’t bring you here to talk about Toby or anyone else.”
“Then why did you bring me here?” she asked, still facing away from him. She was shaking a little. Turned on?
“Because I couldn’t stand not holding you in my arms a minute longer.”
He felt her body relax and rest against his, her head leaning toward his. Doug inhaled the sweet smell of her scent. The flowers in the garden couldn’t compete with her.
“Doug.” Her voice so soft it sounded like a gentle breeze.
He couldn’t resist. Doug kissed her neck and nuzzled closer. “I know.”
A moan escaped her lips. Turning her to him, he took what he wanted. He claimed the lips that he’d wanted to taste since the first time he’d met her a year ago. The instant they touched his blood ran hot, and he loved that she met him with the same urgency. What he’d been fighting reflected in her response. She wants me too. He traced her lips with his tongue, and she parted them for him, opening up to give him access to all her sweetness. Her tongue entered his mouth, exploring as he did hers. When they would pull back, the tips of their tongues danced with each other before exploring again. Damn, woman. What are you doing to me?
Doug had kissed many women, but this was beyond any reaction he’d ever had. His cock throbbed from the sublime taste of her lips. He imagined what it’d be like to explore the rest of her.
Pulling her close to him, she moaned into his mouth and pressed against him. He wasn’t hiding that he wanted her. And she didn’t seem to mind.
Rose ran her hands up his chest and around his neck. He could feel her swollen nipples through the thin fabric separating them. His hand slid up the side of her then stopped. He had to stop, otherwise neither of them would be able to turn back. Fuck, I’m already there. God, woman, you’re beautiful. How am I supposed to stay away when everything about you calls out to me?
He slowed, pulling away gently. Their breathing was ragged, and she clung to him, shivering with desire. He was in no hurry to let go, but he had a feeling they were being watched. Doug scanned the perimeter, but saw no one. His gut wasn’t usually wrong, yet his judgment might be clou
ded.
“Rose, this isn’t over, but we should get back,” Doug said, still holding her in his arms.
She rested her forehead on his chest. “I don’t want this to end.”
He reached up and tipped her chin toward him. “This is not over. Trust me; this isn’t what I want either. The timing is not right.”
This was not just Toby waiting for her. Doug was not the guy for her. He had every intention of leaving right after the wedding and heading back to search for answers regarding Earl’s death. Holding Rose in his arms momentarily overshadowed his promise to his father. Even though he never kept one to me, I have more honor than that.
Rose nodded. “I understand.”
He knew she didn’t, because he hadn’t told her everything. And he wasn’t ready to open up that part of him. His heart hurt, considering there was so much more to say that most likely would never be spoken.
He kissed her briefly again and said, “Come on. I hear there’s chocolate cake, and that’s my favorite.”
She laughed softly as they made their way out of the hidden garden. He hated having to share her with the others, then again she wasn’t his to hold on to. No matter how much I want her to be.
Rose wanted to say she enjoyed the wedding and reception. However, everything seemed a blur. Once Doug sat beside her, she lost all focus. His musky scent drew her in. When he asked her to follow him, she knew she’d follow him anywhere he asked. It was crazy since there was still so much she didn’t know about him, yet it was undeniable; she was powerless to say no. Then again, I don’t want to say no.
Even as she made her way back to the bungalows with Toby, she was thinking of Doug. His kiss still warmed her. The only reason she walked back with Toby was her hope to see Doug one more time.
They came upon a dimly lit part of the path, and she stumbled slightly on a loose cobblestone. She reached out for Toby who pulled his hand away. Steadying herself, she looked up at him and said, “You would’ve let me fall?”
“I’m sure Doug would come by and pick you up,” Toby said, peering down at her.
She put her hands on her hips and said, “What is that supposed to mean?”
Toby stepped closer and grabbed her wrist, pulling her firmly against him. “You never let me touch you like that. You never kissed me like that either. Are you into old men, is that it?”
“You followed me? You were watching us?” She could tell by his eyes he had. “You had no right to spy on us.”
She prepared herself for whatever sharp words Toby would say. Instead his response was a physical one. He kissed her hard and tried to force her lips apart. She refused to open to him. Pushing against his chest, she moved her mouth from his. “Toby, stop this. What’s wrong with you?”
“You’re what’s wrong. For months I’ve wanted you, but you never let me close. But you let some old dude. You can’t tease a man like that and not expect to put out.”
“Toby, you’re talking crazy. There is nothing going on with Doug and me. And even if there was, it is none of your business. You and I dated, that’s all. There has never been any commitment. And never will be. I invited you here as a friend; I was upset after you told me what my brother had said to you. He had no right.” Although now, even more than before, I wish I hadn’t made that call. She needed him to get away from her. Make him understand this was not what she wanted and never had been.
“If I’m crazy it’s because you’re making me that way. Fuck! I need you.” He grabbed the top of her dress and yanked her toward him. The fabric tore as she fought against him.
Reaching up, she slapped him across the face and pushed free. His eyes darkened, and she filled with fear. She’d never seen him like that. She tried to back away, but he was too fast.
Toby raised a hand, and with the back of his right hand, made contact with her right cheek. The force spun her around, and she fell to the rocky ground. Her head was dizzy from the pain. She wiped her mouth and felt the warmth of blood running down her lip and chin.
Her entire body was shaking. She was no match for his brute strength. In the ER, she’d sadly assisted many rape exams. Surely he won’t go that far, will he? Rose knew she had to snap him out of the state he was in before he went any further. Tears streamed down her face, and she begged, “Please, Toby. Stop this. It’s wrong. I don’t want you, and you have to stop.”
He took a step closer and grabbed her by the back of her hair. The pain was excruciating, and she screamed. Toby pulled her along the path, and she felt her dress tear from the contact as well as the skin on her hip and leg. He kept ranting about how much he needed her, would take her willing or not. Please, someone help me. Knowing no one would hear over the loud music of the reception, and feeling defenseless, she was terrified.
Closing her eyes tightly she prayed someone would save her. As she did so, Toby let go of her hair.
Rose knew she needed to take advantage of the small window of opportunity to get away. Pulling herself away, she turned, expecting to see him come toward her. Instead he was exactly where she left him, his eyes bulging. Doug had his hand on Toby’s throat. Toby was struggling with both hands to remove Doug’s, but he was overpowered and couldn’t budge it.
No matter how much she hated Toby right now, she couldn’t let Doug hurt another person because of her. He’d end up in jail, and she couldn’t live with herself for that.
She tried to get up, but her legs wouldn’t hold her. From the ground, she reached out and touched Doug’s leg and begged, “Please, Doug. You’re going to kill him. Let him go.”
Rose saw the look in Doug’s eyes. She wasn’t sure he heard her. Before she could say another word, Beckett was by Doug’s side.
“Stand down, Atwood!” Beckett barked at Doug.
Doug blinked but didn’t release Toby. Rose wasn’t sure if Beckett was going to finish what Doug had started either.
“Please, Doug,” Rose pleaded again, her voice soft and gentle. “Let go of him for me.”
Only then did Doug loosen his grip and finally let go. Toby dropped to his knees, gasping for air, his hands around his own neck.
“You almost killed me,” Toby said in his raspy, whiny voice.
Although Toby was on his knees, Beckett grabbed him by his shirt and pulled him up, letting his clenched fist make impact with the right side of Toby’s face. “Keep talking. I’d love an excuse to finish it,” Beckett said as he released his grip. This time Toby crumbled to the ground, unable to hold himself up.
Doug looked at her, and his eyes were dark, filled with rage. His eyes quickly assessing her before turning back at Toby. “You will never touch her again, you bastard. You think Beckett can make you disappear, I can make you wish you were dead. Understood? I don’t care how you get off this island, you sick fuck, but be off within the hour, or I’ll find you. Trust me, you’ll not be able to hide from me.”
Clearly fearing for his life, Toby stumbled, trying to get up and nodded. Rose looked at him and couldn’t believe the man she was looking at. What’s wrong with you? You never acted like this before. Then again she’d never really paid him any attention. He was shaken as he should be and from the look of the front of his pants, he’d pissed himself too. You’re lucky you’re getting off with just that.
She watched Toby charge up the path toward the suite. “You’re letting him go?”
Doug turned to her and shook his head. “If you didn’t notice, your brother isn’t here any longer.”
She looked around and Beckett was nowhere to be seen. Rose wanted Toby gone, out of her life for good, but not dead. She had no idea what Beckett was going to do. “Beckett isn’t going to—”
“Kill him?”
Rose nodded, her lips trembling, unable to utter the words.
“He’d be dead now if that was the case.” Doug bent down and in a softer tone asked, “Are you okay?”
Rose nodded, although her cheek hurt like hell, and her knees were scratched up. She knew things could’ve been so
much worse if Doug hadn’t arrived when he did. “You came just in time.”
He slipped an arm beneath her knees and another around her waist. Slowly he lifted her off the ground and into his arms. “Let me know if I hurt you.”
Her voice was barely a whisper. “You never could.” They weren’t empty words. Being in his arms, she felt safer than she’d ever felt before.
Doug carried her to the bungalow. She knew he was taking his time to ensure Toby was no longer there. “I wouldn’t want to, but I can’t promise I never will.”
Rose knew he wouldn’t physically hurt her, no matter what he might say. Although she had to admit that the ferocity she saw in his expression when he’d had Toby by the neck was a little daunting.
As they made their way to the room, Sharma came running up to them. “Rose, what happened?”
She hadn’t had time to process what happened, but seeing Sharma’s sympathetic eyes, she felt tears form in her own. She didn’t want to draw any attention to herself, but with her dress torn and her face swollen, it was going to be hard to deny. “Uh . . . I—”
“Rose was attacked, Sharma. Can you get some ice?”
“Oh, my. Yes. I’ll be right back.” Before she could tell Sharma she’d be all right, Sharma rushed away.
When they got to the suite Rose tensed up. Doug must’ve felt it. “What’s wrong?”
She looked around. “Is he—?”
“Gone? Yes. He’ll never hurt you again,” Doug said in a tone that sent a chill through her. There was no hesitation, and she wanted to ask why he was so confident in that statement. She needed to trust both Doug and Beckett not to do anything foolish. Neither of you are cold-blooded killers, and you will find a way to keep me safe without hurting anyone.
Doug put her down on the couch, and even though he’d been incredibly gentle, she felt like she’d been hit by a truck. Every muscle in her body ached. Rose pushed past the pain and wanted to ask what that meant, but as she opened her mouth the door to the suite burst open. KJ, Danielle, and Elaine came rushing in. KJ pushed past Doug and was by her side. The nurse in her took over. She was rattling off questions to Rose as she examined her.
A Rose For The Billionaire: Betting On You Series: Book Six Page 9
